Travel clip for surgical staple cartridge

ABSTRACT

A travel clip is provided for use with a surgical staple cartridge. The travel clip includes a cover having first and second side edges which varying in distance from a centerline of the cover and a longitudinally extending rib projecting perpendicularly along the centerline of the cover. The first and second side edges include areas of maximum distance from the centerline of the cover and areas of minimum distance from the centerline of the cover. The space between adjacent areas of maximum distance from the centerline of the cover provide cutouts or openings for viewing, inspection and verification of structure retained within the surgical staple cartridge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/422,320, filed on Mar. 16, 2012, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a travel clip or shipping aid for usewith a surgical staple cartridge. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a removable travel clip for retaining componentswithin a staple cartridge while allowing viewing of those components forinspection and verification of type.

2. Background of Related Art

Certain surgical procedures often require forming lines of staplesthrough tissue sections and, in some instances, severing the tissuebetween the staple lines with a knife blade. Surgical staplers typicallyinclude a removable staple containing cartridge for use with a surgicalstapler. The removable staple cartridge generally includes an outersupport or frame member and a body portion containing one or more rowsof staple containing pockets. In some cases, the staple cartridgeincludes a plurality of longitudinally staggered rows of staplecontaining pockets.

The staple containing pockets formed in the cartridge are open to atissue engaging surface on the top of the insert and extend throughopenings in the bottom. The staple containing pockets each contain asurgical staple adjacent the tissue engaging surface of the cartridgeand a pusher positioned beneath the surgical staple for driving thesurgical staple out of the staple cartridge.

Often during shipment and assembly, the staple cartridge is shippedseparately from the outer support or frame member. In these instances,the bottom of the staple cartridge is open and/or uncovered risking lossof the pushers loosely contained within the staple pockets. In otherinstances, a cover is used that completely obscures the tissue engagingsurface of the staple cartridge.

Additionally, bottom surfaces of the pushers are often marked withvarious indicia to indicate the size and/or type of the surgical staplescontained within the staple cartridge. This facilitates inspection andverification of the contents of the staple cartridge and speeds up theassembly process of the final staple cartridge. However, if a cover isutilized to retain the pushers within the staple pockets, the indicia onthe bases of the pushers cannot be inspected without removing the cover.

Therefore, a need exists for a travel clip or shipping aid for retainingthe pushers within the staple pockets. A further need exists for atravel clip or shipping aid for retaining pushers within staple pocketswhile allowing for inspection of the bases of the pushers. A need existsfor identification of the cartridge and indication of the presence ofthe staples and pushers.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed a travel clip for use with a surgical staplecartridge. The travel clip generally includes a longitudinally extendingcover having a first side having a first edge, a second side having asecond edge, a distal end, a proximal end; and a longitudinal ribprojecting perpendicularly from an underside of the cover. The ribextends along a centerline of the cover. The first edge of the firstside has a varying distance from the centerline of the cover.Specifically, the first edge has a plurality of areas of maximumdistance from the centerline and a plurality of areas of minimumdistance from the centerline. The areas of maximum distance from thecenterline form posts and the areas of minimum distance from thecenterline form valleys. In a particular embodiment, the posts haverelatively flat peaks and adjacent posts define cutouts therebetween. Inone embodiment the cutouts are semi-circular and relatively flat peaksare parallel to the centerline.

There is also disclosed a travel clip for use with a surgical staplecartridge including a longitudinally extending cover having a first sidehaving a first edge, a second side having a second edge, a distal endand a proximal end. A longitudinal rib projects perpendicularly from anunderside of the cover. The first edge of the first side has a varyingdistance from a centerline of the cover and the second edge of thesecond side has a varying distance from the centerline of the cover.

The first edge includes first posts separated by first cutoutsintermediate the first posts and the second edge includes second postsseparated by second cutouts intermediate the second posts. In a specificembodiment, the first posts on the first edge are directly opposite thesecond posts on the second edge.

In a more specific embodiment, the first posts have relatively flatfirst peaks and the second posts have relatively flat second peaks. Therelatively flat first peaks are parallel to the relatively flat secondpeaks.

There is further disclosed a travel clip for use with a surgical staplecartridge including a longitudinally extending cover having a first sidehaving a first edge, a second side having a second edge, a distal endand a proximal end. The first edge of the first side has a varyingdistance from a centerline of the cover and the second edge of thesecond side has varying distance from the centerline of the cover. Alongitudinal rib projects perpendicularly from an underside of thecover. In this embodiment, a grasping structure extends from proximalends of the cover and rib to facilitate manipulation of the travel clip.

The grasping structure generally includes an upper portion extendingproximally from a proximal end of the cover, a proximal portion and alower portion extending proximally from a proximal end of the rib. In aspecific embodiment, the upper portion includes a wider distal portionand a narrower proximal portion. The travel clip further includes a ribextension extending proximally from a proximal end of the rib and overthe lower portion of the grasping structure.

The travel clip may also include a distally extending tooth projectingfrom a distal end of the rib to facilitate insertion of the travel clipinto a staple cartridge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the presently disclosed travel clip for use with asurgical staple cartridge is disclosed herein with reference to thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a travel clip for usewith a surgical staple cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the travel clip;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the travel clip;

FIG. 4 is a front end view of the travel clip;

FIG. 5 is a rear end view of the travel clip;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the travel clipand a staple cartridge and associated surgical staples and staplepushers;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the travel clip assembled on the staplecartridge;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the travel clip assembled on thestaple cartridge; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of theassembled travel clip and staple cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the presently disclosed travel clip for use with asurgical staple cartridge will now be described in detail with referenceto the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. As is common in theart, the term ‘proximal” refers to that part or component closer to theuser or operator, i.e. surgeon or physician, while the term “distal”refers to that part or component further away from the user.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is disclosed a travel clip 10 foruse with a staple cartridge 12 (FIG. 6). Travel clip 10 is provided tosecure various components contained within staple cartridge 12 whileallowing the components to be viewed for inspection during variousstages of assembly of a final staple cartridge. Travel clip 10 may beformed from a variety of materials, including thermoplastics, metallicmaterials, etc. Additionally, travel clip may be color coded to reflectthe contents of staple cartridge 12.

Travel clip 10 generally includes an elongate, rectangular base or cover14 and a longitudinally extending rib 16 extending from an underside 18of cover 14. Gripping structure 20 extends from proximal ends 22 and 24of cover 14 and rib 16, respectively, and facilitates manipulatingtravel clip 10 relative to staple cartridge 12. A distally extendingtooth 26 extends from a distal end 28 of rib 16 to guide travel clip 10onto staple cartridge 12 in a manner described in more detailhereinbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, cover 14 includes a distal end 30, proximalend 22 and first and second sides 32 and 34. First and second sides 32and 34 extend outwardly from a center line CL of cover 14 and includefirst and second side edges 36 and 38, respectively. In order to viewstructure contained within staple cartridge 12 located beneath cover 14,first and second side edges 36 and 38 are not completely linear but eachvaries in distance from center line CL to expose underlying structure.For example, in this embodiment, first side edge 36 varies in distancefrom centerline CL from points or first valleys 40 of minimum distancefvd from centerline CL outward to points or first peaks 42 of maximumdistance fpd from centerline CL and extending along first side edge 36.As best shown in FIG. 2, first side 32 includes a plurality of firstvalleys 40 a, 40 b, 40 c . . . etc., separated by first peaks 42 a, 42b, 42 c . . . etc.

Similarly, second side edge 38 also varies in distance from centerlineCL from points or second valleys 44 of minimum distance svd fromcenterline CL outward to points or peaks 46 of maximum distance spd fromcenterline CL and extending along second side edge 38.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2, second side 34 also includes aplurality of second valleys 44 a, 44 b, 44 c . . . etc. separated bysecond peaks 46 a, 46 b, 46 c . . . etc. In this embodiment, second side34 is a mirror image of first side 32. While the following discussion isgiven with respect to the details of first side 32, it will beappreciated that second side 34 is configured similarly.

The areas of cover 14 located between first valleys 40 of minimumdistance fvd from centerline CL form first posts 48, such as first posts48 f, 48 g, 48 h . . . etc defining openings or cutouts 50 g, 50 h . . .etc. between adjacent posts 48 f, 48 g, . . . etc for viewing ofunderlying structure. As shown, in this disclosed embodiment, a width wpof peaks 42, for example, peaks 42 k, 42L, 42 m . . . etc, is constantand is less than the width wv between adjacent peaks 42 k and 42L, etc.This provides sufficient surface area of posts 48 to retain underlyingstructure while allowing viewing of the underlying structure throughcutouts 50. As shown, peaks 42 are relatively flat and equidistant fromcenterline CL and extend along an outer edge line OEL parallel tocenterline CL.

It should be noted that, while in this particular embodiment, first side32 is illustrated with generally flat first peaks 42 andsemi-cylindrical cutouts 50, first side 32 may assume other shapesincluding rounded peaks, sharp v-shaped valleys, etc. First side edge 36may also have different configurations, such as, for example,sinusoidal, etc. Also, distances fpda, fpdb, etc. between various peaks42 a, 42 b . . . etc and centerline CL need not be constant but may varybetween themselves as well as having variable distances fvda, fvdb . . .etc. from first valleys 40 a, 40 b, etc. to centerline CL. Further,widths wp of first peaks 42 may also vary along first side edge 36 aswell as widths wv of first valleys 40.

Referring to FIG. 3, grasping structure 20 generally includes an upperportion 52 extending from proximal end 22 of cover 14, a roundedproximal portion 54 and a lower portion 56 extending from proximal end24 of rib 16. Upper portion 52, proximal portion 54 and lower portion 56are formed of a relatively flexible material and together define anopening 58 through which a user may insert a finger to better pulltravel clip 10 off staple cartridge 12. A rib extension 60 extendsproximally from proximal end 24 of rib 16 serves to stiffen lowerportion 56. Upper portion 52 includes a dip 62 adjacent proximal end 22of cover 14 which provides a tactile indication of a user's fingerposition on travel clip 10 as well as increasing the flexibility ofupper portion 52. A nub 64 projects inwardly from proximal portion 54and into opening 58 to provide stiffness between upper portion 52 andproximal portion 54. As best shown in FIG. 2, upper portion 52 includesa constant width distal portion 66 extending from cover 14 and aproximal tapered portion 68 connected to proximal portion 54 of graspingstructure 20.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that cover 14 has anoverall width We greater that width Wr of rib 16 (FIG. 4) and width Wgof proximal portion 54 and lower portion 56 of grasping structure 20(FIG. 5).

Turning now to FIG. 6, staple cartridge 12 generally includes aplurality of pushers 70 and surgical staples 72 which are movablyretained in a staple cartridge body 74. Staple cartridge body 74includes a longitudinally extending knife slot 76. First longitudinallyextending rows 78 of openings or staple pockets 80 and secondlongitudinally extending rows 82 of openings or staple pockets 84 aresituated on opposed sides of knife slot 76. Knife slot 76 terminates ina closed distal end 86 within staple cartridge body 74 and has an openproximal end 88 for receipt of a knife (not shown) associated with asurgical stapling instrument (not shown) as well as receiving rib 16 oftravel clip 10 as described hereinbelow. Staple pockets 80 and 84 extendcompletely through staple cartridge body 74 and extend from a bottomsurface 90 of staple cartridge body 74 to a tissue engaging uppersurface 82 of staple cartridge body 74. Surgical staples 72 arefrictionally retained within staple pockets 80 and 84 and are positionedslightly below tissue engaging surface 92 of staple cartridge body 74.Pushers 70 are located within staple pockets 80 and 84 beneath surgicalstaples 72 and are free to move within staple pockets 80 and 84.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, and initially with regard to FIG. 6, the useof travel clip 10 to retain pushers 70 within staple cartridge body 74for transportation and inspection will now be described. Initially,staple cartridge 12 is assembled with surgical staples 72 and pushers 70positioned within staple pockets 80 and 84. Travel clip 10 is held atgrasping structure 20 and distal end 28 of rib 16 is inserted intoproximal end 88 of knife slot 78. As noted hereinabove, tooth 26 ondistal end 28 of rib 16 facilitates insertion of rib 16 into knife slot76. The tooth also engages the distal end of the cartridge to keep theclip located properly. Travel clip 10 is advanced distally throughstaple cartridge body 74 from a proximal end 94 of staple cartridge body74 toward an angled distal end 96 of staple cartridge body 74. Rib 16 isadvanced through knife slot 76 until distal end 28 of rib 16 abutsclosed distal end 86 of knife slot 74. At this point, underside 18 oftravel clip 10 is positioned over bottom surface 90 of staple cartridgebody 74 as best shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that when travel clip 10 is fullyinserted through staple cartridge body 74, pushers 70, contained withinstaple pockets 80 and 84 are visible through cutouts 50 in first side 32of cover 14 and cutouts 98 formed in second side 34 of cover 14. Thisallows a user to inspect pushers 70 to ensure the presence of thepushers, and for proper positioning, and to determine any indicia orcoloration that indicate the size and/or type of surgical staples 72contained within staple cartridge body 74.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, in addition to allowing pushers 70 to bevisible, cover 14 of travel clip 10 retains pushers within staplepockets 80 and 84 during shipping and inspection. With specificreference to FIG. 8, underside 18 of cover 14 engages bases 100 ofpushers 70 located within staple pockets 80 and 84 to prevent pushers 70and surgical staples 72 from falling out of staple cartridge body 74.Specifically, first posts 48 formed in first side 32 of cover 14 retainpushers 70 within second rows 82 of staple pockets 84 while second posts102 formed in second side 38 of cover 14 retain pushers 70 within firstrows 78 of staple pockets 80. Thus, travel clip 10 provides a way ofsecuring pushers 70 within staple pockets 80 and 84 in staple cartridgebody 74 while allowing pushers 70 to be visible for inspection.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. For example, cutout may be provided ononly one side of the cover of the disclosed travel clip. Further,cutouts need not be provided above each pusher but may be located abovealternate staple pockets or randomly. Additionally, the viewing areas ofthe cover of the disclosed travel clip may include other variations inthe sides of the cover edges, such as, for example, sinusoidal, postswith sharp or rounded peaks rather than flat, and other shapes for thecutouts, such as, for example, semi-oval, square, rectangular, etc.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A travel clip for use with a surgicalstaple cartridge comprising: a longitudinally extending cover configuredto be positioned on a bottom surface of a surgical staple cartridge, thecover defining at least one opening therethrough for viewing internalstructure of a surgical staple cartridge; a longitudinal rib projectingfrom an underside of the cover and configured for receipt in a knifeslot of a surgical staple cartridge; and a grasping structure extendingfrom at least one of a proximal end of the cover or a proximal end ofthe rib.
 2. The travel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the coverincludes: a first side having a first edge; and a second side having asecond edge, wherein at least one of the first edge or the second edgehas a plurality of areas of maximum distance from a centerline of thecover, and a plurality of areas of minimum distance from the centerline.3. The travel clip as recited in claim 2, wherein the areas of maximumdistance from the centerline form posts.
 4. The travel clip as recitedin claim 3, wherein the posts have flat peaks.
 5. The travel clip asrecited in claim 4, wherein the flat peaks are parallel to thecenterline.
 6. The travel clip as recited in claim 3, wherein the atleast one opening is disposed between adjacent posts.
 7. The travel clipas recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one opening issemi-circular.
 8. The travel clip as recited in claim 2, wherein theareas of minimum distance from the centerline form valleys.
 9. Thetravel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the proximal end of thelongitudinal rib is disposed adjacent the proximal end of the cover, andwherein the rib has a distal end disposed adjacent a distal end of thecover such that the rib extends along a centerline of the cover.
 10. Thetravel clip as recited in claim 1, wherein the grasping structureincludes: an upper portion extending proximally from the proximal end ofthe cover; a lower portion extending proximally from the proximal end ofthe rib; and a rounded proximal portion interconnecting the upperportion and the lower portion to define an opening.
 11. The travel clipas recited in claim 10, wherein the upper portion tapers from a distalportion of the upper portion to a proximal portion of the upper portion.12. The travel clip as recited in claim 10, further comprising a ribextension extending proximally from the proximal end of the rib, andwherein the rib extension is disposed within the opening of the graspingstructure and in engagement with the lower portion of the graspingstructure.
 13. The travel clip as recited in claim 1, further comprisinga distally extending tooth projecting from a distal end of the rib. 14.A travel clip for use with a surgical staple cartridge comprising: alongitudinally extending cover defining at least one openingtherethrough for viewing structure under the cover; a longitudinal ribprojecting from an underside of the cover, wherein the underside of thecover is configured to engage bottom portions of pushers disposedadjacent a bottom surface of a surgical staple cartridge to retain thepushers therein; and a grasping structure extending from at least one ofa proximal end of the cover or a proximal end of the longitudinal rib.15. The travel clip as recited in claim 14, wherein the cover includes:a first side having a first edge; and a second side having a secondedge, wherein at least one of the first edge or the second edge has aplurality of areas of maximum distance from a centerline of the cover,and a plurality of areas of minimum distance from the centerline. 16.The travel clip as recited in claim 14, wherein the grasping structureincludes: an upper portion extending proximally from the proximal end ofthe cover; a lower portion extending proximally from the proximal end ofthe longitudinal rib; and a rounded proximal portion interconnecting theupper portion and the lower portion to define an opening.
 17. The travelclip as recited in claim 16, further comprising a rib extensionextending proximally from the proximal end of the rib, the rib extensiondisposed within the opening of the grasping structure and in engagementwith the lower portion of the grasping structure.
 18. The travel clip asrecited in claim 14, wherein the proximal end of the rib is disposedadjacent the proximal end of the cover, and wherein the rib has a distalend disposed adjacent a distal end of the cover such that the ribextends along a centerline of the cover.
 19. A travel clip for use witha surgical staple cartridge comprising: a longitudinally extending coverconfigured to be positioned on a surgical staple cartridge; alongitudinal rib projecting from an underside of the cover andconfigured for receipt in a knife slot of a surgical staple cartridge,wherein the rib extends along a majority of a length of the cover; and agrasping structure extending from at least one of a proximal end of thecover or a proximal end of the rib.
 20. The travel clip as recited inclaim 14, wherein the rib extends along a majority of a length of thecover.